Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has criticised Governor RN Ravi's recent comments on Mahatma Gandhi, asserting that the statements were an attempt to tarnish the legacy of the Father of the Nation. This has set off another face-off between the two.
RN Ravi had suggested that Gandhi became a non-event after 1942, but later backtracked, blaming the media for selective reporting.
"I did not mean any disrespect to Mahatma Gandhi whose teachings have been the guiding light of my life," a Raj Bhavan communique quoting Mr Ravi said Saturday referring to his speech at the 127th birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on January 23.
Some media "did cherry-pick" from the speech and "gave it a twist," the Governor added.
Mr Stalin emphasised Gandhi's stance against religious nationalism, stating that the leader had sacrificed his life opposing religious fanaticism. He accused the Governor and others of trying to distort history by undermining Gandhi's pivotal role in India's freedom struggle.
"The right wing vilifies the Father of the Nation with lies. Their destruction of Gandhi's fame lies in changing Gandhi Jayanti to Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. This indicates how the present period is stuck in the slush of communalism. We need to stop this," said Mr Stalin.
Announcing the party's plans to hold a Communal Harmony Pledge on October 30, marking the day of Gandhi's assassination, Mr Stalin urged citizens to unite against divisive forces and uphold the principles of communal harmony embodied by the Mahatma.
The meet would have members of all religions. He also a gave a list of slogans to be raised at these district capital venues across the state.
Featured Video Of The Day
Madras High Court Denies Armstrong's Burial At BSP Office
BJP's 'Bal Buddhi' Re-Plug On Rahul Gandhi's Ram Janmabhoomi Movement Claim Rahul Gandhi Urges Yogi Adityanath To Increase Hathras Compensation "Power Of People-First Politics": Rahul Gandhi Congratulates New UK PM Keir Starmer BJP's 'Bal Buddhi' Re-Plug On Rahul Gandhi's Ram Janmabhoomi Movement Claim Heavy Rain In Mumbai, 50 Flights Cancelled, Train Services Hit, Schools Shut "Why Is State Interested In Protecting An Individual?" Top Court On Sandeshkhali Congress MLA Takes Oath In BJP's Madhya Pradesh Government, Twice Chennai Police Commissioner Transferred After Tamil Nadu BSP Chief's Murder "Why Is State Interested In Protecting An Individual?" Top Court On Sandeshkhali Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.